Techstep Drum and Bass, a subgenre renowned for its dark, mechanical energy and dystopian atmospheres, has experienced a thrilling resurgence in recent years. Emerging in the mid-1990s with artists like Future Cut, Technical Itch, and Bad Company at the forefront, Techstep combined industrial sound design with fierce, driving rhythms. Pioneers such as Future Cut brought a cinematic depth to the genre, pushing boundaries with intricate basslines and razor-sharp drum programming. While it waned in prominence during the rise of more melodic and liquid styles, Techstep has been rediscovered by both veteran producers and a new wave of artists, proving its enduring appeal within the ever-evolving Drum and Bass landscape.
A new generation of artists is breathing fresh life into the genre while maintaining its core ethos. Producers like Nemy, Jaise, Bungle, Jkon are redefining the sound, blending Techstep's signature grit with modern production techniques and innovative soundscapes. Their music evokes the tension and intensity of the classic era while appealing to contemporary listeners. Meanwhile, long-established figures such as Technical Itch, Ed Rush, Temulent, and Trace continue to release tracks that remind fans of the genre's uncompromising roots. These efforts are amplified by labels like Dispatch Recordings, Subplate, BrainRave, and Drum Pusher which are fostering a fertile environment for Techstep’s revival through carefully curated releases.
The resurgence is also being embraced in underground club culture, where Techstep thrives as a counterpoint to more commercial Drum and Bass styles. DJs are increasingly incorporating the subgenre into their sets, creating moments of pure, unrelenting energy on dance floors. Events and festivals are dedicating stages to darker, heavier sounds, giving Techstep the platform it needs to reconnect with old fans and captivate new ones. As its revival gathers momentum, Techstep is once again asserting itself as a vital and innovative force, blending past and present to shape the future of Drum and Bass. I am looking forward to it.
Cheers,
Infraction
DJ/ Producer/ Writer
Fractured Frequencies, Drum Pusher / Audio Entropy
Great Read here.
Yes. This sound is once again pushing the boundaries...
Great read. Right to the point, shout to everyone pushing that darker, harder sound